The last meeting of the 2004 George Formby centenary year was held in the Renaissance Room of the Winter Gardens complex. Although smaller than we have been used to, it had a nice atmosphere and was brightly lit for the occasion. The weekend was as usual very enjoyable with old and new friends getting together for the last time before the long winter spell until March 2005.

Films shown this weekend were “Keep Fit” and “Let George Do It” which most members would agree are two of George’s best. Also shown was “The Richard and Judy Show” which featured the GFS at the September convention. This 5 minute feature has been severely criticised in one Formby related journal but the numerous members I spoke to after the showing were full of praise both for Channel 4 and the GFS members who took part and many of the members just put the article down to sour grapes on the part of the writer.

Dickie Speake (keyboard), Dale Norman (drums) and Tony Thornton (base) provided the live music, ably assisted by Dean Spencer (keyboard) and Chris Weightman who did a session on the bass and also supervised and maintained the always excellent sound quality throughout the weekend. Alan Chenery organised the concerts throughout the weekend and provided nicely balanced entertainment for all.

The weekend was marred when on the Sunday morning; President of the GFS Dennis Taylor announced the sad death of Billy ‘Uke’ Scott. Billy was highly regarded by all the members attending he Blackpool conventions and throughout the 1940’s and 1950’s was a top class entertainer on the variety circuit. He must have played at every theatre in the United Kingdom and also did much work with ENSA during World War II. He appeared in countless BBC broadcasts during these years although it is sad to note that hardly any of these shows were recorded for posterity.

Billy held honorary membership of the Society and was always happy to entertain us; his attendance at a convention was always very special. He didn’t play in the Formby syncopated style but was a master of the melody style of playing. He also wrote some fantastically good songs which are sadly all but forgotten today. He was a great friend to the George Formby Society and will be much missed by all. Our sincerest condolences go to Billy’s family.

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